What is Legislative Advocacy?

Legislative Advocacy is the process whereby citizens contact their respective elected officials to inform them of issues and to ask the officials to take specific actions that will affect County, State and/or Federal laws.

Why Advocate for HCC Students?

HCC is Experiencing an Enrollment Increase Without Financial Support In Equal Proportions

The citizens of Howard County continue to turn to HCC. Full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment for fall 2011 increased five percent from the equivalent date last year. A total of 10,081 students enrolled in credit classes at HCC in fall 2011. From fiscal year 2000 to 2011, FTE enrollment at HCC has increased 113.26 percent.

Although HCC has had an increase in students, the finances needed to support these students have not been available in equal proportions.

HCC receives its funding from multiple sources:

• State Funding Accounts for 13%
• Howard County Provides 27%
• Student Tuition & Fees Provides 39%
• Other Sources Provide 14% (Revenue from auxiliary services such as the bookstore, cafeteria, etc.)

HCC needs support for:

OPERATING FUNDS

Operating Budget (Request to:  County and State)

Funding to support academic and institutional operations.

State Support for the Laurel College Center (Request to:  State)

Funding is needed to support this regional higher education center, which is located in Laurel and consists of 7 colleges and universities. HCC and PGCC founded the Center to provide higher education opportunities for citizens in the Laurel area.

State Support for Student Financial Aid (Request to:  State)

Funding for financial aid is critical in order to make college affordable for students.

CAPITAL

Health Sciences Building (Request to:  County and State)

The college's current request to the county and the state is for the "completion phase" of the health sciences building and includes a request for furniture and equipment.

Science, Engineering and Technology Building (Request to: County and State)

The college is requesting the remaining design funds from the county for a science, engineering and technology building.

Safety, Compliance & Facility Renewals (Request to:  County and State)

The college is requesting funds from the county and the state for renovations, deferred maintenance and facility renewals at all HCC campuses, including the Charles I. Ecker Business Training Center and the Laurel College Center.

Design and Construction of a New Road Near Hickory Ridge Road (Request to:  County)

Along with the completion of the new garage, the college needs to address the Hickory Ridge entry road as part of the project. Funds are being requested from the county for the construction of a new campus road.

Click the links on the left to learn more about how you can help support HCC.